Jared Allen can see it all coming together for the Chicago Bears and their defense.

Now, all he needs to do is get on the field. The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end anticipates suiting up for the first time with the Bears when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. Chicago's prized free agent acquisition, Allen sat out last week's exhibition opener against Philadelphia after missing practices because his wife gave birth to a girl.

Assuming he plays this week, it will provide the first glimpse at a rebuilt defense that the Bears are counting on to make a playoff run functions with its new star. "I think we're well where we need to be, past where we need to be," Allen said.

Seahawks: Bellevue (Washington) police have cleared running back Marshawn Lynch in an assault and property damage case. The department issued a statement saying Lynch wasn't involved and that the case remained open.

Cowboys: Quarterback Tony Romo will play his first game for the Cowboys since undergoing back surgery for a herniated disk last December. Romo will start for the Cowboys in Saturday's exhibition game against the Baltimore Ravens. Romo missed Dallas' exhibition opener against San Diego as the Cowboys are easing him back into things after his second back surgery in the past two years.

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Lions: Defensive lineman Ezekiel Ansah did not take part in contact drills, a day after he was moved off the physically unable to perform list. The Lions plan to ease him in gradually after he underwent offseason shoulder surgery.

Coach Jim Caldwell ruled him out for Friday's exhibition game at Oakland, but doesn't think Ansah will have much trouble catching on after a strong rookie season. "He'll be able to catch up pretty quickly," Caldwell said. "But we'll take our time and there will be a progression to it."